Home of the St. Louis Cardinals, the current Busch Stadium opened in 2006 as the third major-league ballpark in the city to carry the Busch name, replacing a multi-purpose stadium that had stood next door. Designed by the firm Populous in the retro-classic style that swept through baseball after Camden Yards, it seats around 44,000 and frames a celebrated view of the downtown skyline and the Gateway Arch beyond the outfield. The ballpark opened in stages: a minor-league exhibition christened the field on 4 April 2006, and the Cardinals played their first regular-season game there on 10 April, a win over the Milwaukee Brewers. The timing proved fortunate, as the Cardinals went on to win the World Series that same autumn, becoming the first team in nearly a century to take a championship in a new ballpark's opening season. The brick-and-steel design deliberately ties the stadium to the city around it. Clark Street was rebuilt through the site so that passers-by can see straight onto the field, and the adjoining Ballpark Village, a complex of bars, restaurants and a Cardinals museum, grew up across the street to keep the area lively beyond game days. Premium club levels, suites and an array of statues honouring Cardinals greats fill out the concourses. For visitors the experience leans on one of baseball's most loyal fan bases and a genuinely scenic setting, with the Arch visible from much of the seating bowl. Beyond Cardinals games the stadium has hosted an All-Star Game, an NHL Winter Classic, soccer internationals and large concerts, and stadium tours run on many non-game days. Demand is high for marquee opponents and weekend games, while weekday fixtures and the upper deck offer the easiest tickets and, from the higher levels, the broadest skyline views. The stadium is wrapped by a wide pedestrian concourse, and the Clydesdale horses tied to the city's brewing history sometimes appear at special events. Food leans local, from toasted ravioli to regional barbecue, and the open outfield keeps the Arch in view for much of the game. Public transport runs close to the gates, and the surrounding Ballpark Village fills with supporters before first pitch and long after the final out.

Type: Stadium / Arena

Address: 700 Clark Avenue, St. Louis, United States

Telephone: (314) 345-9600

Website: https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/ballpark

Capacity: 44494

Opening Date: 04/04/2006